Apparatus for collecting and storing autographs

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for collecting and storing autographs includes a housing having a hollow interior that is configured to receive and hold autograph media. The housing includes a plurality of side walls and a floor and can be in the form of a cube. The apparatus includes an outer frame that is disposed about an outer surface of one side wall and defines an exterior slot that is open along one side for receiving autograph medium. The autograph medium comprises a substrate that has a surface on which an autograph can be written.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention is directed to an apparatus for obtaining andcollecting autographs and more specifically, relates to a hollowapparatus that has a plurality of outwardly displayed surfaces forcollecting autographs and an interior compartment for storing autographsand other accessories, such as pens, etc.

BACKGROUND

As is well known, an autograph refers to a famous person's artisticsignature. This term is used in particular for the practice ofcollecting autographs of celebrities, such as movie stars, sports stars,politicians and other noteworthy individuals. The hobby of collectingautographs is known as philography.

While autographs can be obtained on any number of different surfaces,such as paper, there are also more elaborate books that can be used toobtain and securely store the autographs. For example, a conventionalautograph book has a hard cover and paper pages contained therein.Autographs are written on the paper pages and because of the bookconstruction, the autographs can be safely stored. In addition, it isalso common for a person to autograph a photograph. Conventionally,autographed photographs are mounted in a picture frame. While anautograph book is suitable for obtaining multiple autographs at oneevent, it can be cumbersome to do so since it requires the person toopen to a particular page and pass the opened book to the autographgiver and then repeat the process using a new page for the nextautograph giver. There is therefore a need for an alternative device andmethod for obtaining multiple autographs and for storing the obtainedautographs safely.

SUMMARY

An apparatus for collecting and storing autographs includes a housing(casing) having a hollow interior that is configured to receive and holdautograph media. The housing includes a plurality of side walls and afloor and can be in the form of a cube. The apparatus includes an outerframe that is disposed about an outer surface of one side wall anddefines an exterior slot that is open along one side (e.g., top side)for receiving autograph medium. The autograph medium comprises asubstrate, such as an autograph tile, that has a surface on which anautograph can be written. Inside the hollow interior, dividers can beprovided for defining individual slots in which individual autographmedium are received and preferably, kept separate from one another.

The substrate includes an outer layer on which an autograph can bewritten and the outer layer can comprise an outer structure attached tothe substrate. The outer structure can emulate a sports ball surface inthat the outer structure can be selected from the group consisting oftennis ball felt, football cowhide, baseball cowhide, and basketballcowhide. In this manner, the appearance of the apparatus can be createdand tailored in view of an event at which autographs are to be obtained.For example, if the event is a tennis event, the substrate can be in theform of a wooden tile with a yellow felt front layer on which theautograph is written.

Other features of the apparatus are described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an apparatus for collecting and storingautographs in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of an apparatus for collecting and storingautographs in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 3 is another top plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 1A showing anaccessory;

FIG. 4 is partial cross-sectional view of a cover and a first lockingmechanism for the apparatus;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional and bottom view of the cover of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is partial cross-sectional view of a cover and a second lockingmechanism for the apparatus;

FIG. 7 is a top view of the cover of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of an apparatus according to anotherembodiment;

FIGS. 9-11 illustrate a manner of reversing the position of an autographtile to move between a displayed position and a concealed position;

FIG. 12 is a front elevation view of one autograph tile showingdecorative indicia; and

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an apparatus for collecting and storingautographs in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1A-3 illustrate an apparatus 100 for collecting and storingautographs. As described herein, the apparatus 100 is configured suchthat a plurality of autographs can be obtained in succession withoutaltering the physical state of the apparatus 100.

In the illustrated embodiment, the apparatus 100 is in the form of acase or housing 110 that has a hollow interior 112 and has a pluralityof outwardly facing surfaces which can be used to collect autographs asdescribed herein. In particular the case (housing) 110 has a floor(wall) 120 and a plurality of side walls 130 that are connected alongthe bottom edges to the floor 120 to define the hollow interior 112. Inone embodiment, the case 110 has a square shape and is defined by fourside walls 130; however, it will be appreciated that the case 110 canhave other shapes and is not limited to a square shape. For example, thecase 110 can have a rectangular shape, a triangular shape, polygonalshape, etc. The hollow interior 112 can be accessed through an open topof the case 110.

As shown in the figures, the hollow interior 112 can be divided into twoor more spaces or compartments. For example, the illustrated case 110,shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, generally includes a first space or compartment140 that is configured to store autographs and a second space orcompartment 150 that is configured to hold one or more accessories 200,such as writing implements (e.g., pens used to create the autograph). Asshown, the first space 140 can include a plurality of dividers 142 thatare spaced apart from one another to receive and separate a plurality ofautographs. The dividers 142 are configured to define individual slots145 that receive and arrange the autographs such that they are held in aside-by-side parallel manner. The dividers 142 can be arranged into afirst divider 142 that is disposed along one side wall 130 and a seconddivider 142 that is disposed along another side wall 130 that isopposite the one side wall 130. The dividers 142 can be in the form of alongitudinal rail that includes spaced notches formed therein to definethe slots 145. Alternatively, small blocks or tabs (protrusions) can beprovided and affixed to the respective side wall 130 with one slot beingdefined between adjacent tabs and configured to receive one autograph.It will be appreciated that the tabs can be grouped into a first set anda second set with the tabs of the first set being located directlyopposite corresponding tabs of the second set so as to define pairs oftabs which define the slots 145 that are configured to receive theautographs.

It will also be appreciated that the locations of the dividers 142 alongthe respective side walls 130 can vary so long as the dividers 142effectively define receiving slots 145 for the autographs andsufficiently separate and hold the autographs in place. Similarly, theshapes and sizes of the dividers 142 can vary so long as the dividers142 serve to separate and hold the autographs in place. Accordingly, thedividers 142 can be in the form of protrusions (e.g., tabs) that areformed along the respective side walls. In addition, it will beappreciated that each slot 145 can be designed to receive more than oneautograph.

While the hollow interior 112 is designed to hold and store clean(fresh) medium to place an autograph on and/or autographs that havealready been obtained, the apparatus 100 also includes an autographdisplay and collecting feature to allow one to easily collect multipleautographs at a single time. In particular, the housing 110 includes atleast one and preferably includes a plurality (e.g., 4) of exteriorautograph collecting slots 250. More specifically, along one or more ofthe side walls 130, one exterior slot 250 can be provided. As will bedescribed herein, the exterior slot 250 is configured to allow autographmedium to be inserted therein and be securely held and displayedtherein. When the autograph medium is inserted into the exterior slot250, a significant area of the medium is displayed and is freelyaccessible to allow a person to sign the autograph medium.

The exterior slot 250 can be defined by an exterior frame assembly 500that defines the slot 250. As shown in FIGS. 1A-3, the frame assembly500 includes at least one pair and preferably a plurality of pairs ofcorner frame pieces 510 that are disposed at two or more corners of thehousing 110. As shown in FIG. 1A, the corner frame pieces 510 extendalong a length of one corner of the housing 110 and thus, the cornerframe piece 510 can be thought of as being a rail structure that isoriented vertically along the corner of the housing 110.

Each corner frame piece 510 has a first notch 512 that is disposed alongone side wall 130 and a second notch 514 that is disposed along anotherside wall 130 that is formed at a right angle to the one side wall 130.The corner frame piece 510 can generally be in the form of an L-shapedpiece. Two notches 512 of two corner frame pieces 510 face one anotherand define one exterior slot 250 (when more than two pieces 510 areused, two notches 512 define one slot and two notches 514 define anotherslot). A floor 530 is disposed between the two corner pieces 510 at thebottoms thereof to define a support surface for the autograph medium. Abottom edge of the autograph rests on the floor 530 with side edges ofthe autograph medium being contained within the two notches 512 thatface one another along the one side wall 130.

It will be understood that the one side wall 130 defines the rear of theexterior slot 250. The corner frame piece 510 can be attached to theside walls 130 using any number of techniques including the use offasteners (nails, screws, etc.) or the use of bonding agents, such asadhesives, etc. In addition, the floors 120, 530 can the same structurein that floor 120 can have a greater footprint than a maximum widthdefined between two opposing side walls 130 and therefore, outerperipheral portion of the floor 120 that extends beyond the respectiveside walls 130 defines the floor 530.

In the illustrated embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-2, there are four cornerframe pieces 510 disposed in the four corners of the housing 110,whereby four exterior slots 250 are defined along the four sides walls130. In this way, the four exterior slots 250 permit at least fourautograph media to be inserted into the slots 250 and outwardlydisplayed. The outward display of the autograph medium allows for aperson to easily sign the exposed surface thereof as discussed hereinand illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B.

It will be appreciated that the frame structure can be configured suchthat one or more autograph media can be displayed along one or morecorresponding sides of the housing 110. Accordingly, while the housing(cube) in FIGS. 1A and B has two autograph media held and displayedalong the four sides of the housing 110, it can contain less than fourand can contain as few as one.

It will also be appreciated that the notches 512, 514 can be formedcompletely through the corner frame piece 510 as shown or the notches512, 514 can terminate prior to one end of the corner frame piece 510,thereby defining a stop. Thus, when the autograph medium is insertedinto such notches that define the exterior slot 250, the autographmedium can travel within the notches 512, 514 until the autograph mediumreaches the stops at which time the autograph medium can no longertravel and is held securely within the exterior slot 250.

FIG. 1B shows an alternative corner frame piece 511 that instead ofbeing a single structure is divided into two pieces, namely, an uppercorner piece 513 and a lower corner piece 515 that is disposed below theupper corner piece 513. Each of the upper corner piece 513 and lowercorner piece 515 includes first notch 512 and second notch 514 forreceiving the autograph medium as described above.

The apparatus 100 thus includes discrete elements 300 on which anautograph can be written. These discrete elements 300 are configured tobe both displayed (held) along the outer surface of the housing 110 andstored in the hollow interior 112 in the slots 145 formed in thedividers 142. In other words, the shape and size of the elements 300 areselected to allow the elements 300 to be held and displayed along outersurfaces of the housing 110 and allow for secure storage of the elements300 within the hollow interior 112.

The discrete elements 300 include an outwardly facing surface 302 onwhich the autograph can be written. At least the outwardly facingsurface 302 is formed of a material that is conducive to receiving anautograph in a permanent manner. In other words, the material thatcomprises the outwardly facing surface 302 is selected such that aperson can use a writing implement (e.g., pen) to easily and clearlywrite his/her autograph in such a way that the autograph is permanent innature. In other words, the autograph does not easily mar and erase fromthis surface 302 once any initial setting time passes.

In one exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in the figures, the discreteelements 300 can be in the form of a plurality of autograph tiles 300.In one embodiment, the discrete element (autograph tile) 300 is formedof two or more layers (which can be formed of two or more materials). Inparticular, as shown in FIGS. 1A-B and 9, the discrete element 300 canbe formed of a rear substrate 310 and a front structure 320 on which theautograph is written. As shown, the front structure 320 can occupy lessarea than the rear substrate 310 to which it is coupled.

While in the illustrated embodiment, the front structure 320 isillustrated as having the same or similar shape (e.g., square) as therear substrate 310, it will be appreciated that the two structures canhave different shapes. For example, the rear substrate 310 can have asquare shape, while the front structure 320 can have a circular shape.Other different shapes for each of the substrate 310 and structure 320are equally possible.

Also as shown in FIG. 12, the front structure 320 can also include oneor more decorative features, e.g., decorative indicia 400. Thedecorative indicia 400 can be formed on the front structure 320 usingany number of suitable techniques including but not limited to printingtechniques. The decorative indicia 400 can be of type that falls withinthe theme of the event at which autographs are being sought or they canbe not directly related to the event but instead merely be ornamental innature. For example, for sports related themes, the decorative indicia400 can be in the form of a symbol associated with the sport (e.g., apicture of a tennis ball, golf ball, football, baseball, race car, etc.)or the decorative indicia 400 can be in the form of a team logo, etc.The size and location of the decorative indicia 400 on the frontstructure 320 can vary. The decorative indicia 400 can also depict otherthemes such as those associated with themes parks, e.g., princess, acastle, etc. However, in any event, the decorative indicia 400 leavessufficient room for the autograph to be written across the frontstructure 320.

In one embodiment, the front structure 320 can be formed of a materialthat has a theme that relates to an event being attended and/or to theindividual writing the autograph. For example, if the apparatus 100 istaken to a tennis tournament and the objective is to receive autographsof tennis stars, the front structure 320 can be formed the same materialor a material that emulates the material used to make tennis balls. Forexample, modern tennis balls are formed of a pressurized rubber core anda felt covering. The front structure 320 can thus include or be entirelyformed as a felt covering that faces outwardly and is freely accessibleto the tennis player from which the autograph is sought. Thus, a layerof tennis ball felt covering can be adhered to a forward (front) face ofthe rear substrate 310 to provide a tennis ball look and feel andfurther allows for an autograph to be applied thereto (e.g., as by atennis star).

A surface area of the felt covering 320 can be different that a surfacearea of the rear substrate 310 and more particularly, the surface areaof the felt covering 320 can be less than the surface area of the rearsubstrate 310.

It will be appreciated that the material used to form the frontstructure 320 can vary and in the case of sporting events, the materialcan be selected in view of a material that is commonly used in aparticular sport. For example, for football, the front structure 320 canbe formed of leather (cowhide) and for baseball, similarly (cowhide).Paper based materials can also be used as the front structure 320.

It will also be appreciated that the front structure 320 and the rearsubstrate 310 can be combined into a single structure and in which case,the autograph is written across one surface of such single structure.

In addition, the front structure 320 can be formed of two or more layersand in the case of a tennis ball, a rubber backing layer can be adheredto the rear substrate 310 along with an outer tennis felt layer asdiscussed above.

In addition, FIG. 12 shows an opening 301 formed in the autograph tile300 to allow the tile 300 to be easily grasped and inserted or removedfrom a corresponding receiving slot formed in the apparatus, such as theones described herein.

FIGS. 9-11 show another aspect of the apparatus 100 in that theautograph tile 300 can be reversed to protect the autograph. FIG. 9shows removal of the autograph tile 300 from the exterior slot 250 andthen, as shown in FIG. 10, the autograph tile 300 is flipped around andreinserted into the exterior slot 250 to its rest, display positionshown in FIG. 11. The flipping of the tile 300 results in the autographfacing inward and thus being protected.

The apparatus 100 can also include a cover 600 that is designed to coverthe hollow interior 112 for purpose of protecting the autograph tiles(elements/media) 300 contained therein. The cover 600 is preferably of atype that has a handle or the like to allow the user to easily grasp thecover 600 and also a locking mechanism 650 that causes the cover 600 tobe securely, yet releasably, coupled to the apparatus 100.

FIGS. 4-5 illustrate cover 600 according to one embodiment with a firstlocking mechanism 610. The cover 600 has a base portion 610 that has anupper surface 612 and a bottom surface 614. The cover 600 has a handle620 that is movable to cause the cover 600 to move between an unlockedposition and a locked position. The illustrated handle 620 has a topportion 622 that is accessible to the user and intended to be grasped bythe user. The handle 620 also includes a bottom portion 624 that isdisposed below the bottom surface 614 with a connector portion 630 thatconnects the top and bottom portions 622, 624. In the illustratedembodiment, the handle 620 is configured to rotate between the unlockedand locked positions. The bottom portion 624 can be in the form of agear or the like with teeth 625. A locking mechanism 630 includes atleast one and preferably two or more locking pins (racks) 640 that eachhas a first end 642 configured to be received within a locking notch oropening 644 formed in the side wall 130 for locking the cover 600 to thehousing 110.

In the illustrated embodiment, there is a pair of locking pins 640disposed parallel to one another one opposite sides of the gear 624.Rotation of the gear 624 in a first direction causes the two lockingpins 640 to be driven in an outward direction toward the respective sidewalls 130 resulting in the ends 642 of each being received in therespective opening 644.

As shown in FIG. 5, the two locking pins 640 move in opposite directionswhen the gear 624 rotates in a first direction. By inserting the ends642 of the two pins 640 into openings 644 formed in opposing side walls130 of the housing 110, the cover 600 is securely attached to the twoside walls 130 and thus, is securely attached to the housing 110 itself.

To reverse and unlock the cover 600 to the housing 110, the user simplyrotates the handle 620 in the opposite direction which causes the pins640 to move in the opposite linear directions resulting in the ends 642of the pins 640 retracting from the openings 644. The retraction of thepins 640 from the openings 644 allows for free removal of the cover 600from the housing 110.

While not shown, the locking pins 640 can be disposed within guidechannels formed as part of the cover 600. The guide channels are openalong two sides of the cover 600 to allow the extension of the pins 640beyond the perimeter of the cover 600 into the openings 644. The gear624 is thus in close proximity to the guide channels to allow the gear624 to be operatively coupled to the two pins 640 within the two guidechannels.

FIGS. 6-7 illustrate a cover 700 according to yet another embodiment.The cover 700 includes a second locking mechanism 750. The cover 700includes a base portion 710 and a handle 720 that protrudes outwardlytherefrom. Unlike the previous embodiment, the handle 720 is fixed innature and does not move. Along a pair of opposing walls 130, there is aplurality of support tabs 725 spaced about the walls 130 (e.g.,proximate the four corners of the housing 110). The tabs 725 have planar(flat) top surfaces to support the base portion 710 of the cover 700.The tabs 725 are formed and located such that they do not interfere withslots 250 that receive the tiles 300.

In this configuration, the base portion 710 is shaped and sized to bereceived between the four side walls 130 of the housing 110. Thethickness of the base portion 710 is selected and the tabs 725 arepositioned such that when the cover 700 is inserted into the housing110, the base portion 710 rests on the tabs 725. When the base portion710 rests on the tabs 725, the top surface of the base portion 710 liesflush with the top edges of the side walls 130. The top edges of theside walls 130 contain a locking mechanism for locking the cover 700 inplace. As shown in FIGS. 6-7, a plurality of locking tabs 750 can beprovided along the top edges of the side walls 130. Preferably, thereare at least two locking tabs 750 located along top edges of oppositeside walls 130 and in the illustrated embodiment, there are four lockingtabs 750 one along each side wall 130.

Each locking tab 750 moves between a locked position and an unlockedposition. The locking tab 750 pivots between these two positions. Forexample, the locking tab 750 can pivot about a pivot 751 (e.g., afastener) between these two positions. FIG. 7 shoes the locking tabs 750in the unlocked positions in which the locking tabs 750 protrudeoutwardly from and beyond the outer surface of the side walls 130 so asto not interfere with access to the hollow interior 112. In other words,in the unlocked positions, the base portion 710 of the cover 700 can befreely inserted between the four side walls 130 and into a position inwhich the base portion 710 rests on the tabs 725. As previouslymentioned, in this position, the top surface of the base portion 710lies flush with or is slightly below the top edges of the side walls130, thereby permitting the locking tabs 750 to pivot from the unlockedpositions to the locked positions in which the tabs 750 lie above thetop surface of the base portion 710 so as to capture the base portion710 between the tabs 725 and the tabs 750.

In the illustrated embodiment, there are four tabs 725 that pivot intothe locked positions to secure the four sides of the cover 700 to thehousing 110. To reverse the process, the user simply rotates the fourtabs 725 into the unlocked position to allow for the cover 700 to befreely removed.

FIG. 8 shows yet another feature of the present invention in that eachcorner frame piece 510 can include a second notch 513 that is formedoutward relative to the first notch 512 and second notch 514. As withthe notches 512, 514, one pair of second notches 513 along one side walldefine another exterior slot 251 that is disposed outward relative tothe exterior slot 250. This exterior slot 251 can be the same or adifferent size relative to the exterior slot 250. In the illustratedembodiment, the exterior slot 251 is smaller than the exterior slot 250.The outwardly located exterior slot 251 is configured to receive aprotective member that is disposed over the autograph tile 300. Forexample, a clear transparent plastic sheet can be received in theexterior slot 251 to effectively cover the autograph tile 300 and inparticular, cover the autograph written thereon.

It will be appreciated that the plastic sheet can include decorativeindicia along the margins thereof or in other locations. Such decorativeindicia can be similar to the decorative indicia 400 used on the frontstructure 320 of the autograph tile 300. Thus, it can represent acertain theme, such as sports, or an event or a scene, e.g., an oceanscene or golf course hole, etc.

The housing 110 and the structures that are formed as a part thereof,e.g., the dividers 142, can be formed of any number of differentmaterials, including but not limited to woods, plastics, glass, and anyother suitable materials.

In addition, the autograph tile 300 can also include a label or the likeor have a dedicated region defined thereon to allow the user to writeidentification information. For example, the user can neatly print thename of the person who signed to the front structure 320 and also placeadditional information, such as a date and/or an event description,e.g., U.S. Open Finals 2015. The label or dedicated region can be eitheron the front surface of the autograph tile 300 and thus be visible withthe autograph or can be on the rear surface.

FIG. 12 shows that an accessory, such as a pen, can be attached to thehousing 110 along one of the corner frame pieces 510. For example, afastener 505, such as a piece of hook and loop material, can be providedalong an outer surface of the corner frame piece 510. The accessoryincludes a complementary fastener (e.g., hook and loop material) toallow the accessory to be releasably attached and hung along the cornerframe piece 510. In this way, the accessory is always readily availablefor use in writing an autograph on the autograph tile 300 without havingto remove the cover of the housing 110.

In yet another embodiment, the apparatus 100 can include lighting placedin one or more locations so as to illuminate an autograph written on thetile 300. For example, in FIGS. 1 and 13, lighting 800 is provided alongthe exterior frame assembly 500 for illuminating the autograph tile 300that is disposed with the exterior slot 250. The lighting 800 can comein any number of different forms so long as it is suitable for use inthe present invention. For example, the lighting 800 can be in the formof a series of mini LEDs that are disposed along the corner frame pieces510 and also may be provided along the floor 530 that is providedbetween the corner frame pieces 510. The LEDs can be formed in adedicated track formed in the corner frame piece 510 or can be insertedthrough a series of openings in the corner frame piece 510 or can beattached to the corner frame piece 510 using conventional techniques,including the use of fasteners (e.g., tacks) or bonding agents, such asadhesives. The wires associated with the LEDs can be routed along thecorner frame piece and/or the housing and be connected to a power supplysuch as a battery.

A power source 525 and controller are operatively connected to the LEDs800 to allow operation thereof. FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate that the powersource 525 can be in the form of a battery 525 disposed along the floor130. It will be appreciated that the battery 525 can be covered with aprotective layer, such as a film or sticker or a dedicated batterycompartment cover that can be opened to access the battery 525. Thecontroller is operatively connected to the power source 525 to permitcontrolled operation of the LEDs 800. The controller can be in the formof a user accessible switch or button that moves between ON and OFFpositions. The controller can be located in any number of differentlocations including within the hollow interior 112 and can be locatedproximate the power source 525.

The LEDs 800 thus illuminate the areas around the autograph.

In yet another aspect an apparatus according to the teachings of thepresent invention can be as a means for holding autographs tiles 300that are signed by members of a group, such as players on a team, ormembers of a band, etc., as part of memorabilia item that can later soldor be used to raise money, e.g., be part of a charity auction. In otherwords, the apparatuses disclosed herein can be filled with blankautograph tiles and then members of the group (e.g., team or band) canremoved and sign the autograph tiles and once all of the tiles aresigned, the apparatus can then be safeguarded and subsequently eithersold as a collector's item or auctioned as a charity item or otherwisedisposed of. FIG. 13 shows an apparatus that can provide suchfunctionality.

Thus, the apparatus 100 is provided in a fun, attractive format andthus, can be attractively displayed after the autographs are obtained.

As mentioned, any number of different materials can be used to form theparts of the apparatus 100 of the present invention. In addition, theapparatus 100 can come in any number of different sizes so long as theautograph tile 300 includes sufficient space to allow a person to signhis or her name. The apparatus 100 is intended to be a hand-held unitthat can be easy transported around events and easily given to or heldonto to allow an autograph to be written thereon.

One skilled in the art will appreciate further features and advantagesof the invention based on the above-described embodiments. Accordingly,the invention is not to be limited by what has been particularly shownand described, except as indicated by the appended claims. Allpublications and references cited herein are expressly incorporatedherein by reference in their entirety.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for collecting and storingautographs comprising: a housing having a hollow interior that isconfigured to receive and hold autograph media, the housing including aplurality of side walls and a floor; and an outer frame disposed aboutan outer surface of one side wall and defining an exterior slot that isopen along one side for receiving autograph medium; wherein theautograph medium comprises a substrate that has a surface on which anautograph can be written.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thehousing comprises a cube.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thehousing includes a plurality of dividers disposed along inner surfacesof two opposing side walls, the dividers defining individual slots forreceiving individual autograph media.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3,wherein the dividers comprise protrusions extending from the innersurface of the respective side walls.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the outer frame comprises at least two corner frame pieces, eachcorner piece disposed at one corner of the housing and having first andsecond notches formed therein, wherein one pair of first notches of twocorner frame pieces defines the exterior slot.
 6. The apparatus of claim5, wherein the corner frame piece comprises a first leg that is disposedalong one side wall and a second leg that is disposed along an adjacentside wall.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the corner frame piecehas an L-shape with the first and second legs being formed at a rightangle.
 8. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the corner frame piece has alongitudinal bore formed therein and closed off at one end thereof forreceiving and storing a writing implement.
 9. The apparatus of claim 5,wherein each of the first and second notches comprises a longitudinalnotch formed in the corner frame piece.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9,wherein each of the first and second notches passes completely throughthe corner frame piece and is open at each end thereof.
 11. Theapparatus of claim 10, wherein a floor is disposed between the twocorner frame pieces to restrict movement of the autograph medium whenthe autograph medium is inserted into the exterior slot.
 12. Theapparatus of claim 9, wherein each of the first and second notches doesnot pass completely through the corner frame piece but insteadterminates proximate one end of the corner frame piece thereby forming astop for the autograph medium.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thehollow interior is partitioned into a first compartment in which theautograph media is disposed and a second compartment for receiving andholding one or more accessories.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13, whereinthe one or more accessories comprises a writing implement.
 15. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the substrate includes an outer layer onwhich an autograph can be written.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15,wherein the outer layer comprises an outer structure attached to thesubstrate.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein outer structureemulates a sports ball surface.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17, whereinthe outer structure is selected from the group consisting of tennis ballfelt, football cowhide, baseball cowhide, and basketball cowhide. 19.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the substrate is rectangular or squareshaped and includes a hole proximate a top edge.
 20. The apparatus ofclaim 1, further including a removable cover for placement over thehollow interior.
 21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the coverincludes a locking mechanism configured to lock the cover to thehousing.
 22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein cover includes arotating handle operatively connected via a gear to a pair of lockingpins which in extended positions are received in openings formed in thehousing.
 23. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the hollow interiorincludes a plurality of cover supports on which the cover rests and aplurality of pivotable locking tabs are disposed along top edges of thehousing, wherein when the pivotable locking tabs are pivoted over a topsurface of the cover to lock the cover in place.
 24. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the housing and substrate are formed of wood.
 25. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the autograph media are disposed in aparallel orientation within the hollow interior.
 26. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the one side wall of the housing defines a rear surfaceof the exterior slot.
 27. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein theautograph media are held separately in the hollow interior.